Failure of grievance redress system in UT police?

Chandigarh police inspector Anokh Singh's move to approach the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against his superior officer rather than the police brass not only indicates failure of grievances redress mechanism in the force but also distrust the subordinate staff has of the top officers.

In fact, his move against the senior IPS officer shows how sensitive lower and middle-ranked police officers are towards departmental inquiries ordered against them.

Crime branch inspector Amanjot Singh had in the recent past submitted resignation following departmental inquiries initiated against him by senior officials after Deshraj Singh complained of insubordination by Amanjot.

Ordinarily, it is expected that a subordinate officer would approach the IGP or SSP with his grievances against a superior officer. They, in turn, would then initiate steps to ensure redress of grievances.

Anokh Singh simply maintained that he thought it was best for him to contact the premier investigating agency instead of approaching SSP Naunihal Singh.

On the other hand, the SSP wondered that if inspector Anokh Singh was so unhappy and harassed, he could have at least informed his senior officers. "Anokh Singh could have informed any of his senior officials about the alleged harassment he faced at the hands of his immediate superior," asserted Naunihal Singh.

Meanwhile, both episodes connected to Anokh Singh and Amanjot Singh have also brought to the fore divisions within the "disciplined" UT police force.

The problem has its roots in the hierarchy and structure of UT police. It is now manned by police officers brought in from outside as deputy superintendents of police as well as personnel who have risen from the ranks.

Some UT police officials have, in fact, been quite vocal in their criticism of officers brought in on deputation from outside.

In Anokh Singh episode also the UT cadre officer has complained against AGMUT cadre IPS officer for harassing him.

Another fact creating much heartburn is the fact that Chandigarh police officials can neither be promoted beyond the rank of DSP, nor transferred out of UT. In the process, UT police personnel tend to create their own lobbies and any interference by a superior officer from a different cadre is perceived as an attack on their autonomy.

Support pours in for Deshraj

The family of arrested SP (city) Deshraj Singh received support from his batchmates. Senior IAS and IPS officers poured in at Deshraj's house in Sector 23 to extend moral support to the family. Some city-based businessmen also visited the family to show solidarity with the IPS officer.